Controllers suspended after shouting “Free Palestine” to the crew of an El Al flight over the radio.
Paris, France — An air traffic controller at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is under investigation after allegedly shouting “Free Palestine” to the crew of an El Al flight over the radio moments after the aircraft landed.
According to reports from the Israeli airline, the incident occurred shortly after the plane touched down. The pilots, who say the remark came unexpectedly during standard radio communications, reported the matter to El Al’s management.
In an official statement, El Al condemned the controller’s actions, calling them “unprofessional and inappropriate,” and stressed that the airline was treating the matter with “the utmost seriousness.” The carrier said it is coordinating its response with Israeli authorities and working with French counterparts to address the incident.
France’s Minister of Transport announced that an administrative investigation has been opened in connection with the Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC), the national authority overseeing civil aviation in the country.
The DGAC has yet to release details about potential disciplinary measures or the identity of the controller. While political expressions are not uncommon in public discourse, experts note that such remarks over official air traffic control frequencies are considered highly irregular and a breach of professional conduct.
El Al emphasized that the safety and professionalism of communications between pilots and controllers are paramount to flight operations and said it expects a thorough review of the incident.
